New Hampshire Senate Advances SB 104 Online Casino Bill by Narrow 13-11 Margin
The Senate advanced SB 104 by a 13-11 vote. The proposal would direct 35% of net online casino profits to scholarships through the Community College System of New Hampshire with 10% to the New Hampshire Lottery. Revenue projections estimate roughly $5 million in the first year, rising to $20 million in the second year and $30 million by the third.
SCCG Take — The tight vote reveals persistent legislative momentum for iGaming revenue but spotlights direct tension with charitable gaming stakeholders that the Finance Committee must resolve for any path forward.
New Hampshire lawmakers advanced Senate Bill 104 in a 13-11 Senate vote, moving the state closer to regulated online casino gaming. The proposal now heads to the Senate Finance Committee for detailed review before any further legislative action.
If enacted, the bill would let residents access licensed online versions of blackjack, poker, roulette, baccarat, and craps. It would require age and identity verification, geolocation controls, wagering limits, and voluntary self-exclusion options.
Supporters highlight new state revenue. The legislation directs roughly 35% of net online casino profits to scholarships through the Community College System of New Hampshire. Another 10% would cover administrative costs at the New Hampshire Lottery. Backers project roughly $5 million in the first year, rising to $20 million in the second year and $30 million by the third.
Revenue Goals Collide With Charitable Gaming Concerns
The state maintains about 16 charitable gaming facilities that use casino-style games and poker to support nonprofit groups. Opponents warn that online casino access could divert players and revenue from these venues.
Sen. Bill Gannon told the Union Leader that online gambling could “eat away” at charitable funds. Churchill Downs, owner of Chasers Poker Room and Casino in Salem, is opposing the bill through lobbyist and former Senate president Peter Bragdon.
New Hampshire already offers online sports betting under an exclusive DraftKings arrangement with the state lottery, plus online lottery products. Online casino games would expand the market by enabling continuous play outside of sports schedules. This is the latest push after a 2023 version stalled in the House and SB 168 was tabled in 2025. As reported by GamblingNews, the measure still requires full legislative approval and gubernatorial signature to become law.
The Narrow Vote and Remaining Hurdles
The slim margin keeps the online casino debate active but underscores the difficult path ahead in the Finance Committee and subsequent votes. Any final framework must reconcile education funding benefits against impacts on existing charitable gaming operations.
Reporting: GamblingNews
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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